Motif Seattle Unveils Locally-Inspired Makeover

SEATTLE –Motif Seattle, an independent hotel in the city’s downtown, unveiled its $10 million guestroom redesign, led by acclaimed Seattle-based architectural and interior design firm DEGEN & DEGEN. The boutique hotel’s makeover includes all 319 guestrooms and enhancements to its corridors, giving the property a sleek urban style while maintaining a residential comfort. The redesign is complete with striking art walls that serve as bold representations of the Seattle cultural scene and artwork by local artists.

Shannon Sheron, General Manager of Motif Seattle, A Destination Hotel, said: “Motif Seattle’s design aesthetic and ethos reflect this beautiful city, with thoughtful details waiting to be discovered throughout the property. We wanted to bring the experience of Seattle to life through this bold new design and show off what makes Motif Seattle a unique experience for our guests.”

DEGEN & DEGEN sought to create spaces throughout the design that are as simple as they are warm and familiar. The firm employed materials local to the area, such as natural woods from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting a light and welcoming ambiance. Seattle weather was another thoughtful consideration applied to the design, with DEGEN & DEGEN creating a “rainy day corner” in each guestroom that serves as a welcome point for visitors upon arrival to hang their outdoor gear. Rich and distinct tones, paired with natural woods are balanced with bolder, sophisticated accents, creating an environment that is at once comfortable and surprising. Enhanced lighting and high-end bath finishes bring luxury touches to further enhance the guest experience and create a residential feel.

“Motif is one of the most guest-centric and forward thinking brands we have ever encountered,” said Anita Degen, Principal at DEGEN & DEGEN. “Designing this renovation was a wonderful opportunity to throw the rules out and design from the heart. Bringing back only that which made sense for the brand, the aesthetic, and for the guest.”

With Motif Seattle’s brand pillars of design, fashion, community, and music as inspiration, bespoke artwork was commissioned by local Seattle artists for each guestroom to visually reflect the various elements of Seattle’s cultural fabric. In one such work, the edges of a local Seattle musician’s album spines were woven together to create a piece of abstract art. The hotel’s corridors boast large scale photographic abstractions of Seattle landmarks.

The new design also lends itself as a platform for Motif’s Visiting Artist Program. Every year, the hotel collaborates with a local artist to design a new motif—a decorative design or pattern—which is then reflected in the hotel’s stationery, envelopes, guest amenities, key cards, and more. The program is part of Motif’s efforts to connect guests with the local arts, fashion, music, and culinary scenes.